New Zealand – A Bird Watcher’s Dream

New Zealand is an amazing destination for bird watchers. The country offers exceptional opportunities for fans of our feathered friends to see some rare species. Found only in New Zealand, the flightless kiwi is the national bird. Of the five species of kiwi – two are considered vulnerable, one is endangered, and one is critically endangered.

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Given the kiwi’s small numbers and the fact that this bird is nocturnal, locals are always warning visitors that they may not get to see one of these creatures in the wild. In fact, seeing a kiwi in the wild is so rare that many New Zealanders (affectionately nicknamed Kiwis) have never seen one in their natural habitat. One of the best places to see a wild kiwi is on Stewart Island, just off the southern tip of the South Island. Accompanied by a guide at night, you can look for them in their natural environment. On the North Island, there are opportunities to see these native birds at rescue organizations and sanctuaries such as Rainbow Springs in Rotorua, Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay, or at Zealandia in Wellington. As a protected bird, each kiwi is treasured – it is impossible not to feel awe when seeing one of these prehistoric-looking birds in person. The weka, also known as the Maori hen, is another flightless bird found only in New Zealand. Classed as a vulnerable species, there are four sub-species of weka: the North Island weka, Western weka, Buff weka and Stewart Island weka. This famously feisty and curious personality is known to have a love of pilfering things – from a tourist’s camera case, to their smartphone, to the granola bar in their purse. If something disappears and a weka is around, check their nest! Many wilderness tours, especially those along New Zealand’s West Coast, encounter wekas as a regular part of the experience. Just keep your hand on your wallet and you will truly enjoy the bold character of this inquisitive bird. The tui is a melodious and beautiful bird that is metallic green, black and brown, with a tuft of white feathers under its chin. The tui, known as a cheeky bird that can mimic other sounds in its environment, even has a beer company named after it (Tui Beer). The tui is found throughout the country – especially in Wellington’s city suburbs where Zealandia is helping to protect birdlife. Air New Zealand has direct non-stop flights from Vancouver to Auckland and offers flights from many other North American cities. For more information about New Zealand, please visit: www.NewZealand.com.